Vegan Flexible Dieting Meal Plans + 6 Week Check-In

Today, I’m checking in with you to share my nutrition challenge progress as well as a few days worth of vegan flexible dieting meal plans. On Monday, I’ll be 6 weeks into my challenge using flexible dieting to help reach my fitness goals. Guys, it’s been crazy. My weight has fluctuated up and down, up dan down but overall has slowly progressed downward reaching my lowest bodyweight this very morning!

In 6 weeks, I’ve lost about 4 lbs but I’m not really concerned the number on the scale. I look different and my clothes feel looser. I’ve leaned out significantly, especially in my arms, chest and upper legs. I feel fantastic and I’m more motivated than ever to continue this process.

Above you’ll see my before photo on the left, and a check-in photo at 4 weeks on the right. There are only 2 lbs difference between these two photos. When you see yourself in the mirror everyday it can be hard to notice any progress but when you compare photos 6 weeks apart, it’s like, WOW! Consistency is everything and if you stick to it day after day, over time, it really adds up!

The Flexible Dieting Struggle is Real

I think in my last posts I made it seem like flexible dieting is a walk in the park, and indeed, there are aspects to it that are totally awesome. Like the ability to eat pancakes every weekend, or every day if I wanted to! That being said, it’s not always easy. You absolutely have to make it a lifestyle and you have to be dedicated to the process.

Some Days are Hard

Some days are really hard. Some days I want to eat everything in sight. Some days test my willpower and discipline. Some days all I think about is food. Some days I just want to eat already and not be bothered with this weighing my food crap.

Eating out is next to impossible. Social situations are difficult. Some days I’m ravenous after training and eat most of my food too early in the day, making for the saddest little dinner you ever did see. Some days I feel like weighing out healthy food is completely insane. But then I wake up in the morning and the feeling of accomplishment I have from sticking to my goals, it is so worth it.

Plan to be Successful

My carbs and fat have been reduced quite a bit from when I started, so I guess that’s what’s made the last few weeks a lot harder. There isn’t a lot of room for error and I really have to plan if I want to have a hope of hitting my numbers without losing my mind. I feel like I’m still eating a lot though, training has been awesome and I’m not hungry all the time or anything. I just have to plan and plan well to make it happen, and eat a freaking lot of vegetables….and much less fruit. Sad face. Here are a few posts that can help in the planning process:

Go High Volume

I’m becoming a master of high-volume eating ie. how much food can I eat for the least amount of macros.

Favourite high-volume foods:

cauliflower

zucchini

eggplant

These 3 veggie superstars are versatile, nutritious and help add a lot of volume to meals without taking up a lot of macros.

Surviving on Big Salads

I’ve also been eating a lot of enormous raw salads loaded up with veggies and topped with homemade fat-free dressings. I love spinach, mixed greens or lettuce for a base and I load them with grated carrot, diced peppers, cucumber and whatever other veggies I have on hand. They’re healthy, filling, easy to prepare and I can always add a protein source of choice.

Miracle Noodles to the Rescue

I’m obsessed with Miracle Noodles, or shirtaki pasta noodles as of late, which actually have zero calories. I love marinating them in peanut sauce then making pad thai out of them with loads of veggies. You better stock up on Amazon before I buy them all. However you use them, they’re perfect for adding a lot of volume to your meals without the added macros.

But First, Coffee

I may have developed a little coffee problem as of late. I think I’m drinking it so often because it always feels like a treat. I used to have one black coffee to start my day. Now I’m drinking one black coffee in the before early morning workouts, one while I drive to work, one after breakfast and sometimes another 1 or 2 after that! After lunch, I drink earl grey, chai or green tea, ie. more caffeine.

I’m still sleeping well and I’m not jittery or anything so I don’t know if it’s a problem. I don’t know if it’s good or bad but I do believe in moderation, so I’d like to get this in check and go back to my normal one coffee per day.

A Word on Stevia

I’ve never used this much stevia in my life. In fact, aside from the small amount in the protein powder I use, I didn’t use it at all before starting flexible dieting. Alternatively I would use maple syrup, dates, molasses, agave, raisins or coconut sugar to sweeten recipes. Now it’s harder to include those foods without using up all my carbs for the day.

I’ve been using stevia in my coffee, which is weird because I normally drink my coffee unsweetened, I’ve been drinking stevia-sweetened fizzy waters and I’ve been using stevia drops in everything from peanut sauce to pancakes and baking. I don’t really have an issue with using it sparingly but I know I’ve been going overboard. I’ve had such a sweet tooth lately it’s had me relying on this calorie-free sweetener. I’ve read good and bad about processed stevia but either way, moderation is key so I’d like to cut back.

What’s the Point?

I like the challenge, I feel better than ever, I have a better understanding of how to properly fuel my body for training and I’m constantly improving my relationship with food. I want to see what I’m capable of and I have athletic performance goals that I plan to achieve in the near future. That’s it! Plain and simple. Do I think it’s the healthiest and best way to eat? Not really, but it’s been invaluable in helping me reach my goals. I’m not going to do it forever but for the time being, why not? I’m loving the process, proud of my dedication so far and plan to see another 6 weeks through to see what I can achieve.

Join the Tribe

Comments

You look amazing in the progress photos–both of them! Anyways, I think that if you make it work and if you LOVE doing what you do, then it is that much easier! However, it’s also important for most to make room for flexibility and to acknowledge urges to have whatever they want to treat themselves with. I used to deprive myself of so many delicious things–pizza, cake, ice cream–but also healthy foods like avocados, coconuts, beans, fruits, grains, all because they had a bad rap! Your philosophy is on point: enjoy the challenge and know that it’s worth it in the end!

Awesome progress!! I’m loving these new recipes too! I’ve been working on less meat consumption since I started flexible dieting, and your site has been the best resource that I’ve found so far. Thanks for including the macros at the end of the recipes, too. Seriously — keep the inspiration coming 🙂

I’m also doing a flexible dieting program and have been a vegetarian for the past 6 years. Your site has been an invaluable resource for me. I definitely feel you on making the most of the macros and high volume eating. There’s something so satisfying about seeing a loaded up plate to dig into! Thanks so much for the weekly meal breakdowns. I’ve definitely been struggling with some of the same issues, like social events, getting used to eating less fruit and sugar, and new reliance on things like stevia and protein powder that I’m not altogether comfortable with long term. It’s great to have a partner in the game! Keep up the good work!

So glad you’re finding my posts helpful! I agree there are some things I won’t keep up long-term but I’m okay with for now ie. so much stevia, but I used to eat so many dates and raisins, and use so much maple syrup, so I don’t know…I think what I need is to get my sweet tooth under control haha!! Sometimes it’s hard to find balance between the whole food vegan hippy in me and the intense CrossFitter that just wants gains, ahaha. An odd combo but somehow I’m making it work! Keep in touch!

I found your blog through a post in the WAG group, and so glad I did! So much of what you’ve written resonates with where I’m coming from. I just got my macros and have been planning for how to get that much protein on a mostly vegan diet! Glad to see there are options. I am also coming to this from the same sceptical point of view, questioning whether or not it’s actually that heathy long term, but willing to give it a shot for short term goals. Anyway, everything you’ve posted is so helpful, thank you!